Shares were traded higher on both the national stock exchanges on Friday morning, boosted by the growth of the finance and real estate sector.

The benchmark VN Index on HCM Stock Exchange edged 0.36 per cent to 1,128.18 points. The southern market index had edged 1.07 per cent to close at 1.124,15 points on Thursday.

On Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX Index was up 1.16 per cent to 127,61 points after gaining 0.43 per cent on Thursday.

The overall market condition, however, was negative as the losing stocks outnumbered the gaining ones by 227-179, while 322 others remained unchanged.

Bank stocks regained momentum as the shares of big lenders, such as Vietcombank, BIDV, Vietinbank and Military Bank, increased between 0.8-2.8 per cent each.

Real estate firms were also among the biggest gainers, including Vingroup Joint Stock Company, Novaland Investment Group Corporation and Nam Long Investment Corporation.

A total of 229.4 million shares, worth VND4.8 trillion (US$210.5 million), were traded in the two markets in the morning trade.

On the minor Unlisted Public Company Market under Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the UP Index increased 0.60 per cent to 61,20 points, with over 16 million shares worth VND357.4 billion being traded.

The afternoon trade starts at 1pm. — VNS